Page 35 of Dukes Are Forever
"Ah," he said, as Adele swanned closer. "That kind of modiste." His gaze raked her from top to toe. There was something different about her today; a new kind of confidence. And he still wanted to get to the bottom of her appearance. There was something... out of place about it. "Is that a new gown?"
"This old thing?" A strange light filled her eyes as she reached for his collar. "No. I've worn it many times."
"It looks... different."
"That's because I'm not wearing a stitch underneath it," Adele whispered as she began to fix his cravat.
Tension slid through him.
Two could play at this game.
"An excellent opening salvo," he admitted.
"I've been thinking," she murmured. "You said I was in control of how far matters between us went."
"And? What did you decide?"
"You've never kissed me."
His smile slipped.Unlike Devoncourt, he wanted to say, but the surge of emotion that came with the thought was a trifle bothering. "I kissed you the day we married."
"The barest touch of your lips to mine."
"And that's what you desire most? Right this second? A kiss?"
A kiss was intimate.
Unnecessary for what they planned.
It seemed an odd request. But he could see the answer in her eyes.Yes.She wanted that kiss. She wanted his kiss.
Was that the angle he could work to win this game between them?
"I will trade you," he said. "A kiss on your lips in exchange for a kiss elsewhere."
Those green eyes sharpened. "Elsewhere?"
"Wherever I desire."
He watched the turmoil race across her expression. Need. Want. And yet, suspicion.
"Why do I feel like I'm walking into a trap?"
Because you are, my dear.
"You've already kissed me elsewhere." A hot blush stained her cheeks as she no doubt remembered that interlude in the carriage.
"But not everywhere," he pointed out. "I promise you will enjoy it."
"I'm sure I will. One kiss," she finally conceded. "For another."
"Wherever I choose."
"Only if your kiss is worth it."
Malloryn smiled. "You like making rules."
"I like being in control. You've always been the one who made the rules between us." Adele eyed him with a challenging glint, and he realized she expected her kiss now.
